Sunday, September 30, 2012

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Of course, Switzerland would have a Swiss Cheese award. I have just never heard about it until this week but yet again it is all happening in the Ticino. So, to appease your hunger after yesterday's flashmobbing choreography session why not head to Bellinzona?

For four days, Bellinzona has become the capital of Swiss cheese where the experts have decided on the king of all cheeses: the Swiss Champion 2012 title goes to Charles und Patrick Hauser (Le Lieu VD) for their Vacherin Mont-d’Or.

I am wondering at this point: how DO you decide for the best cheese when you have a choice of 700 different ones?

Well, find out for yourself. Visit the Palazzo Civico in Bellinzona today and tomorrow to discover the winners of each of the 28 categories. Then take a stroll on the Piazza del Sole along the local cheese market. If you're lucky you might even spot Dimitri, the famous Swiss clown/actor who is performing with his Theatre company.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Have you heard of Flashmobbing? I vaguely remember T-Mobile filming a flashmob commercial at London's Heathrow airport a few years back. Over 200 people froze in place on cue in Grand Central Terminal in New York in 2008. Paris had a record 3,000 people all freezing in place. Flash mobs are "spontaneous" gatherings that are organized by emails and text messages. Everyone from celebrities to schools have created them.

Wouldn't it be cool to try something new and participate in a flashmob just for fun? Problem is .... they are usually shot in big cities!

Well I have news for you!

For the occasion of the Amilcare Foundation's 30th anniversary - a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of fundamental rights of children and adolescents - the dance school DMC STUDIO (Dance, Music & Creation) is organizing two major Flashmob dancing sessions on the success tunes of the eternal Michael Jackson. And yes, IN LUGANO!

The first flashmob will take place Saturday, October 6th at 18:00 at the Palacongressi area of Lugano. The second one will animate the Besso tunnel on Saturday, October 13 at 17:30.

You are invited to four meetings - completely free of charge - to learn the simple choreography at the dance school DMC STUDIO in Canobbio (Resega area). It is all about sharing dance, music and creativity.

The first test will take place on Friday, September 28th from 18:30 to 20:00. Dates, testing and registration and more information on www.dmcstudiolugano.blogspot.ch.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Did yesterday's post about Italian love phases pique your interest? The Italian language belongs to the romance family, a beautiful language and most closely related to it’s original roots of Latin. There is something romantic and fun to speaking to your love in another language. Here are ten more Italian love phrases to choose from.

1. Ti amo - I love you. This is the version only used for a husband/wife, fiancee.
2. Ti voglio bene - I love you. This is the version used for friends, family, boyfriend and girlfriends. Used more commonly on a day to day basis to your love.
3. Ti voglio tanto bene - I love you very much!
4. Sono innamorata/innamorato di te - I am in love with you.
5. Voglio baciarti - I want to kiss you
6. Sei la mia vita - You are my life
7. Ti adoro - I adore you
8. Ho un debole per te - I have a soft spot for you
9. Amore mio - My love
10. Baciami! - Kiss me!

Should you want to perfect your Italian, here is a selection of Italian language schools in Lugano:
(prices might vary)

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Feeling very much in love today, I decided to come up with some Italian Love Phrases you can whisper into your partners ear tonight! Just try it and see what happens...

- Parlami d’amore - Speak to me of love

- Sei la piu bella/il più bello del mondo - You are the most beatiful/handsome in the world
- Vivo per te - I live for you
- Ho bisogno di te - I need you
- Sono pazzo/pazza di te - I am crazy about you
- Sei l'amore della mia vita - You are the love of my life
- Grazie d’esistere - Thank you for existing
- Portrei guardarti tutto il giorno - I could look at you all day
- Tesoro mio - My treasure
- Sono tutto tuo/tua - I am all yours
- Ti mangierei - I want to eat you up
- Voglio invecchiare con te - I want to grow old with
- Ti penso sempre - Thinking of you always
- Mi manchi - I miss you
- Il mio cuore batte solo per te - My heart beats only for you

This is truly a short list of Italian love phrases. They have many ways of saying and expressing love, devotion and passion. Communication is the Italians' forte. For now you can have fun sprinkling an Italian love phrase here and there; use them in love letters, text messages or asking for a kiss!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation 7 years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

The five races planned are:
- 30 km - for the usual runners that practice the marathon or the half-marathon
- 10 km - half competitive: 10 winners will be chosen by lot from the finishers
- Relay - race on the 30 km course with 3 fractions
- Kidsrun - race for children and kids (max 14 years old)
- Handbike

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

Monday, September 24, 2012

This morning I came across an unusual video and just needed to share it with you. This cool Dad had the courage to convince his son to shoot his favourite toy into space. Only show this video to your kids if you are willing to do the same.

Here is Ron Fugelseth description of this ingenious project:

"On Aug 24th 2012 we sent my son's favorite train "Stanley" to space in a weather balloon with a HD camera and an old cell phone for GPS. He was recovered 27 miles away in a corn field and we got some great footage of the trip. This video documents the journey from liftoff to landing.

My 4 year old and Stanley are inseparable like Calvin and Hobbes. He's been attached to him since he was two, and they play, sleep and do everything together. I animated Stanley's face with After Effects and Photoshop to bring him to life how I imagine my son sees him.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'...

She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied , "The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long I hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.

So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow.

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker..

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Wondering about the Swiss school system? Want to know what awaits after your kids' Primary school? Not sure which way to go in the Swiss education path?

Don't miss the free discussion on the Swiss public school system and how to make the best decisions for your childs education. Keynote speaker, Margaret Oertig, will give an overview of the local educational philosophy and present her book “Going Local: Your Guide to Swiss Schooling” (www.bergli.ch). The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion.

The event is being jointly hosted by The American Women of Ticino and The Book Nook and is being held at the Franklin College Auditoreum. Whilst the event is free and relates to child education in Ticino, adults only should attend and attendees should arrive ahead of time because the discussion will begin promptly at 19:30.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

It s time to gather again and meet up with the Lugano Expats. The International Women's Club of Lugano is organizing an Autumn event at the Lido bar. Just come along for a beer, a chat and the chance to meet some new people.

So don't forget to note this event in your agena. If you're lucky the weather will be nice enough to enjoy a cocktail watching the stars with your toes in the sand.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Help! My jeans are too tight! After having lounged in the sun for several weeks I am now back to reality. What better way to get your energy level up and whip your body into shape than to join an excercise class?

The A-Club at Savosa is celebrating their free week from September 17th to 21st, 2012. You can try any one of their classes for free. The highlight is the Zumba Master Class on Thursday, September 20th the A-Club is offering for free from 19:00 to 20:30. All you need is to reserve your spot by registering at the reception.

If you wish to continue the good vibes after your workout, A-Club will offer a Happy Hour special with an delicious buffet.

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Things I've learned from my children:

Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not like ovens.

The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earth worms dizzy. It will, however, make cats dizzy.

Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

Super glue is forever.

Play Dough and Microwave should never be used in the same sentence.

Certain LEGOs will pass through the digestive Tract of a four year old.

A six year old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36 year old man says they can only do it in the movies. A magnifying glass can start a fire, even on an overcast day.

Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late.

You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using the ceiling fan as a bat, you Have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't Stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.

If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the Motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 by 20 foot room.